Bob from Northeast:
I remember seeing the Interceptor fan upgrade article in AJO, but I did it
some years ago. I have done it and it was easy. First, obtain a set of the
Bosch fans from a VW salvage yard, say from an older Rabbit, Scirocco, or
equivalent. Cost was about $25 each back then. Buy three to have a spare,
though you will not likely need it. Have them spin them up off a 12 volt
battery if possible while you are there just to confirm they work and are not
tired. Bring your lucas fans for a size match.
The Bosch fan blade itself is also reusable and fits in the opening. The
fans are white, not yellow and have a better pitch. You may be able to buy
the fans new, but it really is not necessary as millions were made and they
are reliable. As I recall, there are some mounting tangs that you do not
need, I ground them off but I think you can leave them on and use your
existing brackets. I reused most of my old wiring but I did add separate
relays for each fan as they draw much more amperage than the stock fans.
Of course someone like Doug Myers can probably provide the kit along with a
suggested wiring diagram.
Having said all this, I took advantage of a little spare time today to remove
my upgraded fan assembly from my 1972 car. I am going to see if I can find a
mechanical fan and shroud from an old American car. I know that if I have a
good radiator and if my timing, electrics, and mix are right, I should have
no problem with the Bosch-upgraded unit. They do move a ton of hot air.
But I always seem to have problems with the cooling and pinging at the most
inopportune times and I go through a battery a year. I decided to "go for
it" and rebuild the radiator, install a mechanical radiator fan, and upgrade
the A/C blower fan. I will save the electric fans and shroud just in case,
but my desire for a cool running and reliable car has overcome my desire for
originality. My goal: A/C that works even when it is hot and I am sitting
in Bay area traffic !
I have a couple of questions for anyone savvy about my proposed changes.
1. Any suggestions for a donor mechanical fan and shroud ? Early-seventies
New Yorker ? Diameter ? Thermal clutch ?
2. Anyone have a recommendation for a radiator rebuild source or approach ?
Does Doug Myer offer a rebuild service ? Did you retain the tranny oil
reservoir or bypass it during your rebuild ? Did you salvage any part of the
old radiator ? Any specific type of new radiator (3-row, 4, or 5 ?)
Thanks,
Dan C.
San Jose, CA
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